I just got my 06 a couple of weeks ago, and I was noticing what seemed to be wheel rear noise (thumping) when I drive over a bump or rough road.

If I rock the rear of the car side to side by pushing sideways on the rear tire, I can see the brake rotor move in and out. There seems to be some end play in the rear axle.

Is this normal?

I tried the same on my other two cars and there is no play.

I am not sure if this movement is causing the noise.

Thanks

 

Yes, the play is normal. All rear ends of this design have some side to side play in the axles because they are not held solidly in place. A "full floating" axle will not have this play, but a non-floating axle is only held in by C-clips in the rear end, and they a decent amount of play.

Your noise is most likely something else. Seems a number of other people have the noise. Perhaps a search could find something about the noise? Otherwise, visit your hopefully friendly dealer.